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on December 12, 2019 ·

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide For Kids With Autism

Every year during the holidays, I am asked for gift suggestions for Michael.  I understand it can be difficult for friends and family to figure out what to get him.  I always work with my home therapist to pick out a good selection of functional toys or gifts that Michael would love to receive.  This year, I thought I would share my list with you in the hope that it’s helpful for other autism families or anyone looking for the perfect gift for an autistic child.  Honestly, most of these products would work great for neurotypical children as well.  All the products I have listed, I’ve tried to provide a variety by age, skill level or based on functional needs.  Some of these products I have spoken about in the past, but they are all worth sharing again.  Some of the products, even though they are advertised for toddlers, my son is still using today. 

Updated December 2022 – I added five new products that we purchased for Michael for this Christmas. I think any of theses toys and products would be a hit for your child!

This post may contain affiliate links, Joann Salas is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com 

Popkido Pop It Puzzle Hexagon Fidget Game Toy/Hexa Tetris Popper Puzzles/Push Bubble Hex Jigsaw/Montessori Educational Tangram IQ STEM Games/Stress Relief & Sensory Autism Toys for Kids – Michael has continually loved these pop it toys! I always try to keep a few on hand in the car, or when we go away. They really help him so much!

WikkiStix Sensory Fidget Toy, Arts and Crafts for Kids, Non-Toxic, Waxed Yarn, 6 inch, Reusable Molding and Sculpting Sticks, American, Assorted Colors, 24 Count (Pack of 1) – I happen to see these on Instagram and I thought Michael would really love to have these to fidget with. I like that they are small and portable making it easy to take with you.

Squishmallow Official Kellytoy Plush Sea Life Squad Squishy Soft Plush Toy Animals (Sachie The Whale Shark), 8 Inch – I was finally able to grab one of these before they sold out again. I just love that this one is a sea animal and its so soft and plushy. Michael loves to snuggle and I think this one is going to be a winner.

Mnagant Kids Play Tent-61”x61”x45”Imaginative Play Popup Tent Space World Tent for Kids Indoor / Outdoor Fun-Kids Galaxy Dome Tent Playhouse – We are trying a new Popup Tent this year for Michael. I think this one is going to give him enough space to snuggle with his Squishmallow while watching his Ipad.

Siluvia Body Pillow for Adults-Premium Adjustable Loft Quilted Body Pillows – Hypoallergenic Fluffy Pillow – Quality Plush Pillow – Down Alternative Pillow – This will definitely be a favorite for Michael, I am so sure he is going to love it! He usually keeps about 5 pillows in his bed, and throws them on top of him when he is sleeping. This one large body pillow is going to be a new one to add to his collection.

Pop Toys Elephant Whale Puppy Fidget Sensory Toy – Michael as well Alex have really been using these pop toys a lot! I have to admit I find them kind of relaxing myself. These are great for sensory seekers!

ArtCreativity Classic Pin Art Game Set  – Just recently, Michael has been using this and he seems to really love the way it feels on his hands and on the side of his face. Again, another great option for sensory seekers.

Busy Board, Montessori Toys Sensory Activity Developing Board for Fine Motor Skills – This sensory board provides not only practical life skills, but a way for your child to improve hand-eye coordination.

Sensory integration products – These products consist of fidgets, knobby balls, stretchy strings. These are products designed to reduce anxiety, stress, and regulate behaviors and emotions.

Pop Tubes – Another sensory fidget toy that Michael loves.  Like the stretchy strings, these tubes come in different bright colors and provide additional help with his coordination.

Activity Ball – Michael received this as a gift last year for Christmas and he is quite fond of it.  If he could bounce on this all day, he would.  I ended up getting another one for Alex; he enjoys it too!

Trampoline – We purchased a trampoline almost immediately when Michael’s Early Intervention OT told us how much he could benefit from the constant input of jumping.  She was so right; he loves that trampoline.  I can’t even tell you how many we have gone through, but this is the one thing we will never be without.  We even take it with us on vacations.  The one we have folds up for easy travel and storing.  Our home ABA therapist also uses it as a way for him to self-regulate during a break.

SANHO Premium Sensory Sock Body Sock – This is on our Christmas list for this year.  I can’t wait to see how Michael likes it.  I think it’s really going to help him to improve his ability to calm down on his own.  These come in a variety of sizes based on the child’s height.  According to SANHO, they recommend the sock being the height of the individual. 

Fat Brain Toys FA183-1 Suction Kupz Baby Toys & Gifts for Ages 1 to 2, Multicolor – These colorful cups with a suction bottom are great to use for sorting and color recognition.  You can also use these with different liquids or textures for sensory play.  Michael didn’t really care for them at first but, as we continued to use them in different ways, they proved to be helpful. 

Melissa & Doug Pets Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle – I must admit I’m a real fan of Melissa & Doug toys.  They have a huge variety of great toys and their puzzles are fantastic.  We used the puzzles with the knobs at the beginning of Michael’s ABA therapy.  He had no interest in doing it.  As we continued to use them, he slowly learned how to hold the knobs of each puzzle piece and place them where they belong.  He has now moved on to more detailed puzzles, both physically and on his tablet.  I am sure his skills developed from starting with this type of puzzle. 

LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set, Yellow – This product was originally introduced to us by Michael’s speech therapist.  The pieces are magnetic so that you can place them on your refrigerator and each come with magnetic tiles featuring letters of the alphabet.  The Fridge phonics help promote letter recognition, letter names and sounds. 

hand2mind Plastic Scooter Board with Safety Handles for Physical Education Class or Home Use, Purple – Michael’s Occupational Therapist introduced this to Michael when he was about three years old.  We still have it today and both of my boys will use it.  This is great to help with balance and coordination. 

Liberty Imports Camouflage Military Pop-Up Play Tent – Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Army Playhouse for Kid – Over the years, we have had a few different types of pop-up play tents.   Again, both of my boys enjoy getting in there, snuggling on a pillow and playing with their tablets.  For Michael, I think it provides a safe space for him to go to. 

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet 2-Pack, 8″ HD Display, 32 GB, Kid-Proof Case – Blue/Pink – Michael and Alex have been using these tablets for several years.  Although, Alex has upgraded to a larger tablet, Michael has two of the 8” Fire tablets.  Like most little boys and girls, these tablets keep them occupied for hours.  In Michael’s case, we use them for everything.  This is the one thing we do not go anywhere without.  We keep both fully charged and they are helpful when we take long road trips, running errands, or just keeping them occupied on a rainy day. 

ZZZ Weighted Blankets Premium Kids Weighted Blanket – Child Kid Weights and Sizes (5-6.5 LB (36″ x 56″) – Another product on our Christmas list this year for Michael.  We have been going back and forth on getting one for Michael for a few years.  He doesn’t use any sheets, blankets or comforter on his bed while sleeping.  However, he has about 7 or 8 pillows, which he will place over him when he gets into bed.  Because of this, we decided to see if a weighted blanket would be a way for him to get the same cozy feeling from placing the pillows on top of him.  The idea of the weighted blankets is it provides a sense of calming pressure, relieving anxiety to help you sleep better.  And since we are talking about Michael and sleep, we are willing to try anything.  I’ll let you know how it works out. 

Woby Push and Go Friction Powered Car Toys Set Tractor Bulldozer Mixer Truck and Dumper for Baby Toddlers – Michael has become really interested in cars, trucks, anything with sounds of a motor and lights.  Another one on our list this year.  We are planning to work on more leisure-type activities and are hopeful that this will hold his interest. 

Toy Choi’s Kids Toy Tool Construction Set, 27 Pieces Toddler Boys Pretend Play Tool Kit in Sturdy Case – Another new toy on Santa’s list this year.  With Michael’s recent interest in my husband’s tools, specifically anything with a motor, again, we hope this will promote more pretend play. 

So, there you have it, my 2019 Christmas gift ideas for special needs children.  I hope there are a few items that you may think will work for your child or someone you know.  As an autism mom, I understand how you feel when family or friends ask you what to get your child and you’re not even sure yourself.  If you have any gift ideas or suggestions, I would love to hear about them in the comments below.

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Filed Under: Autism, Special Needs Parenting Tagged With: Autism, Christmas, gifts, kids, Sensory, Sensory Processing Disorder, special needs

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Comments

  1. Louise S says

    December 16, 2019 at 4:24 pm

    These are interesting. I have no clue on autism so reading about it is very interesting. It must be hard. If he doesn’t talk. I couldn’t imagine. I hope he gets to enjoy life as well as you too !! Thanks for sharing this

    • Joann says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Louise,
      Thank you Louise. It is difficult for Michael because he gets frustrated when he is unable to communicate his needs and wants. I get frustrated too when I’m not able to understand what he is telling me. Using his communication device can be helpful, but I’m hoping that one day Michael will be able to communicate without it.

  2. lisa mundy says

    December 18, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    Great ideas. Really useful

    • Joann says

      December 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you!

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday I went to Alex’s basketball game.  Although they lost, it was sooo close and such a great game.  I never had an interest in basketball, but amazing how things change when you have kids! I’ve become an “Official” basketball mom! 😜
I’m still working on decluttering my house and organizing as much as I can every day.  I’m slowly working my way through getting rid of things that I no longer need, want or have any use for.  It feels good to finally be in the right mindset for letting things go.  I don’t think I’m a pack rat, but for many years I’ve held onto things for the “Just in case” moments.  I’m trying to keep focused on the fact that keeping things for that reason isn’t necessary anymore.  It feels so freeing as I am starting to see a real difference.  So far so good.  How was your weekend? Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #declutter #declutteryourhome #organizing #autismmom
Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several Do you like to cook or bake? Over the last several months I have been receiving DM’s asking if it was possible to do a cooking collab with me. It seems as though many of you love to cook and bake AND want to share your skills on my YouTube channel! I love this! If you are interested in releasing your “Inner Chef” on my channel, please let me know! I’d love to have you! My next available spot is for March and I’m open to whatever you want to do! Whether you want to make a Disney recipe or an old family recipe, I’m here for it! So, who wants to join me, just send me a DM or let me know in the comment below ⬇️ Let’s do this! Have a great evening my BFF’s! #cookwithme #innerchef #wannabecook #bakewithme #youtube #cooking #baking #disneyrecipes
Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can s Good evening BFF’s! We are almost there, I can see Friday from here! 👀 I’m so ready for this week to end.  It’s been a little tough for Michael this week and that means it’s been tough for us too.  We are pushing through the best we can and hoping for calmer days ahead. 
I know I’ve been a little quiet over here but I’ve been keeping myself busy decluttering and organizing our home.  In between that, of course I’ve been working, and keeping up my reading goal.  In case you missed it, yesterday I posted a “Spend The Day With Me,” vlog, please go check it out if you haven’t already.  Thank you for watching and have a great evening! #wednesdaymood
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday I had to work but after that I headed to Alex’s basketball game and they won! Right after the game, we headed to Applebee’s (per his request) to celebrate! 
Today I spent a majority of the day decluttering, organizing and cleaning.  I’ve made it a goal this year to get rid of everything in my house that’s dragging me down.  I want to be able to walk into a room and feel peace, not overwhelmed.  It’s a work in process 😂 
Thankfully I am off tomorrow.  My only plan is to finish my second book of the year!! I’m on a roll my friends! Have a great evening! #weekendupdate #basketballmom #decluttering #organization
Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finall Come bake cranberry muffins with me while I finally answered your questions in this week’s bake and chat with me on my YouTube channel. Thank you for watching! Direct link in bio.  #bakeandchat #bakewithme #cranberrymuffins #youtube
I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing I’m loving my new spice jars! I’ll be sharing more about it these beauties in next week’s vlog! Stay tuned! #spicejarorganization #organizing #pantryorganization
Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTAB Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Card Holders - PRINTABLE BUNDLE 

Show your love and appreciation with these cute Valentine's Day Coffee Gift card holders.  Can also be used for Target or Amazon gift cards! 

You get 10 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your gift card! Makes a great teacher, neighbor, employee or family gift for Valentine's Day! Direct link in bio. #valentinesday #giftcardholder #coffeegiftcard #teachersgift #printable #instantdownload #etsy #valentinesdaygiftideas
How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and How was your weekend? Yesterday morning bright and early I had to take Michael for bloodwork.  I was dreading it all week! But a huge thank you to Michael’s home therapist for helping me and he did awesome! What a relief! 
I went to mass on my own today.  Alex had a slight temperature and sore throat, so my husband stayed home with him.  Michael stayed home too because I’m not brave enough to go with Michael on my own. 😝
Since I was going by myself I decided to go to mass at a smaller church that I use to go to. This was the church we attended when we moved out of the town I grew up in. 
My mom loved this church because it was a smaller church community, similar to our old parish.  It was such a beautiful mass and it was nice to visit again. 
The rest of the day consisted of my favorite thing in the world, laundry.  But I have managed to do a lot of reading this weekend.  I’m so happy to say, I am almost finished with my first book of the year! If all goes well, I should be finished tomorrow.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  #weekendupdate #lovealwaysjoann #autism #autismmom #autismfamily #littlecornerofmyworld #littlestoriesofmylife
Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday Good morning ☀️ Have a wonderful day! #sunday #spaceshipearthsunday
Give me ten minutes a day. That’s what I asked Give me ten minutes a day.  That’s what I asked my family when my dad gave me a Kindle for Christmas.  I told them to please just give me ten minutes a day so I can return to reading, something I truly missed.  I’m happy to share not only have I been getting ten minutes, but some days I get a whole half hour.  It’s been wonderful getting to slip away into my room and leaving the beautiful chaos for a few minutes! I was so excited to get back to reading that I decided to include reading in my own personal goals this year.  I’m going to aim for 50 books this year and hope for the best.  I just recently started my old Goodreads account again and if you also enjoy reading, please consider joining me.  The link to my Goodreads account is linked in my bio.  Now if you’ll excuse me, my ten minutes of reading is about to begin! Happy reading! #kindlepaperwhite #reading #readinggoals #goodreads #goals
Are you team goals or team resolutions? Or maybe Are you team goals  or team resolutions? Or maybe neither? 
When I was younger, I remember friends and family asking me, What’s your New Year’s resolution? I used to hate that question and I still do.  I always felt like why  did I need to make a resolution? What was the point? As I got older, I realize that resolutions really weren’t necessary. At least not for me.  Any resolution that I had ever made, I never followed through.  For the longest time, I sailed through the new year only counting down the days to summer. 
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New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! New in the shop! Valentine’s Day Handprint art! You get 8 designs and all you have to do is download, print and add your child's handprint/footprint using a non toxic paint.  These can easily be framed and give as a gift or hang in your home.  Makes a perfect gift for grandparents and family! Direct link to shop in bio. #valentines #valentinehandprint #handprintart #footprintart #valentinesday #kidsartideas #kidsartsandcrafts #valentinesdaygiftideas #kidsvalentines #printable #digitaldownload #instantdownload #etsy #printableart #lovealwaysdesignshop
Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christ Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a Christmas card! I made my last pick up of the year today and I was so happy to see all your beautiful cards! I wrote out the last of my cards today so you should be receiving them shortly.  Thank you again and I will see you in the summer for my Summer Vacation Postcard Exchange! #christmascardexchange #christmascards
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Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #a Happy Anniversary Patty & Teddy! ❤️🥰😘 #anniversary #happyanniversary
Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day wit Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day with your family and friends! 🎄🎁❤️ #merrychristmas #jesusisthereasonfortheseason
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve! Have Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas Eve!  Have a wonderful day! #merrychristmaseve
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